Research Associate I/II (Molecular Biology)

Azalea Therapeutics; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus/Equity Eligible

Job summary

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate I/II to join its Research & Development team in Berkeley, onsite. This hands-on role will support AZA-2509 and the delivery platform by performing cell- and molecular-biology experiments, generating high-quality data, and maintaining rigorous records.

Collaboration with scientists across research, process development, analytical development, and preclinical groups is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, immunology, or related field.
• Research Associate I: 0–2 years of relevant lab experience.
• Research Associate II: 2–4 years of relevant lab experience, including evidence of independence.
• Hands-on experience in quantitative bench assays including digital PCR/quantitative PCR, ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry, and/or chromatography, with appropriate controls and replicates.
• Experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research in quality-conscious lab environments.
• Ability to follow protocols, organize concurrent experiments, and produce accurate, reproducible work.
• Ability to analyze data, communicate findings clearly, and work well in a collaborative setting.
• Commitment to lab safety, research integrity, and responsible handling of biological materials.

Responsibilities

• Execute molecular biology studies supporting EDV delivery, genome editing, T-cell engineering, candidate evaluation, and assay development.
• Perform routine sample testing for EDV and AAV programs per SOPs and test methods.
• Conduct nucleic-acid extraction, ddPCR or qPCR, flow cytometry, immunoassays, and protein-based assays.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data; identify trends and deviations.
• Maintain complete, accurate records in electronic lab notebooks and controlled systems.
• Prepare experimental summaries and present results at team meetings; contribute data to reports.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and work with colleagues to improve assay robustness.
• Support method qualification, verification, and transfer, drafting SOPs and qualification reports.
• Assist with reagent prep, inventory, equipment upkeep, and safety adherence.
• Collaborate across functions and manage work to timelines with changing priorities.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor by documenting decisions and sharing data transparently.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, immunology, or a related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate I/II (Molecular Biology)

Department: Research & Development

Reports to: Senior Scientist I, Analytical Development

Location: Onsite 5 days a week - HQ- Berkeley, CA

Employment Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bonus/Equity: Eligible

About Azalea

Azalea Therapeutics enabling precision genome engineering directly inside the body, with an initial focus on creating cancer immunotherapies in vivo . Azalea is pioneering a new way to turn a person’s own T cells into a powerful cancer therapy — directly inside the body. Instead of removing cells and manipulating them in a lab, we use precision genome editing tools to engineer T cells where they already live. At the center of our approach are Enveloped Delivery Vehicles, or EDVs. As highly selective couriers, EDVs are designed to specifically locate T cells within the patient and deliver our genome engineering cargo. Once inside the cell, the anti-cancer agent is inserted into a precise site in the genome, ensuring safe and potent modifications to fortify the T cells against cancers.

Why This Matters

• We aim to make cell therapy faster and more accessible by avoiding complex manufacturing outside the body.
• Our platform is designed for precision, so the right cells are safely programmed to effectively fight cancer.
• This technology has the potential to treat a wide range of cancers with a streamlined, scalable process.

Our goal is simple: develop next-generation delivery technologies to bring genetic engineering and cell therapies to more patients.

Role

Azalea is building ambitious science in a fast-moving environment. The people who thrive here are accountable, adaptable, rigorous, humble, and direct. Across roles and functions, we look for team members who demonstrate the following:

• Outcome Ownership - We own results, close loops, and follow through without needing to be prompted. We take responsibility for moving work forward and making sure important decisions, deliverables, and handoffs do not fall through the cracks.
• Comfort with Ambiguity - We operate in an early-stage environment where information may be incomplete and priorities may evolve. We clarify quickly, make thoughtful decisions with the information available, and adapt without unnecessary drama.
• High Standards, Low Ego - We care deeply about the quality of the work and the impact it can have for patients. We raise the bar while staying humble, direct, and open to feedback.
• Collaboration and Candor - We share context early, communicate clearly, partner across functions, and operate with transparency. We believe strong collaboration requires both trust and direct communication.

The Opportunity

Azalea Therapeutics is seeking a Research Associate I/II to join its Research & Development team. This hands-on laboratory role will support the advancement of AZA-2509 and Azalea’s next-generation delivery platform by executing cell- and molecular-biology experiments, generating high-quality data, and maintaining rigorous laboratory records. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists and colleagues across research, process development, analytical development, and preclinical functions. The position will be filled at the Research Associate I or Research Associate II level based on the candidate’s experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute established molecular biology studies supporting EDV delivery, genome editing, T-cell engineering, candidate evaluation, and assay development.
• Execute routine sample testing for EDV and AAV programs on a defined schedule, performing assays according to established SOPs, test methods, and worksheets.
• Perform relevant analytical methods, which include nucleic-acid extraction, dd PCR or quantitative PCR, flow cytometry , immunoassays, and protein- basedmethods: capsid and envelope protein ELISA, host cell protein and residual protein assays.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data using appropriate software; identify trends, limitations, and experimental deviations.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records in electronic laboratory notebooks and other controlled systems, following Good Documentation Practices and data-integrity expectations.
• Prepare experimental summaries and communicate results at team meetings; contribute data and figures to technical reports and presentations.
• Troubleshoot routine technical issues, elevate significant deviations, and partner with colleagues to improve assay robustness and reproducibility.
• Support method qualification, verification, and transfer activities by generating precision, accuracy, linearity, and robustness data under the direction of method owners; assist with drafting and revising SOPs, test methods, and qualification protocols and reports.
• Support laboratory operations through reagent preparation, inventory management, equipment upkeep, sample tracking, and adherence to safety requirements.
• Collaborate across functions and manage assigned work to agreed timelines while responding constructively to changing program priorities.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific rigor by documenting decisions, sharing data transparently, seeking input early, and treating colleagues with respect.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, immunology, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • Research Associate I: 0–2 years of relevant laboratory experience.
  • Research Associate II: 2–4 years of relevant laboratory experience, including evidence of increased technical independence.
  • Hands-on experience in quantitative bench assays including digital PCR/ quantitative PCR, ELISA, multicolor flow cytometry, and/or chromatography, with a working understanding of standards, controls, and replicates.
  • Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, translational research, or another quality-conscious laboratory environment.
  • Ability to follow protocols, perform careful calculations, organize concurrent experiments, and produce accurate and reproducible work.
  • Ability to analyze data, communicate findings clearly, and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.
  • Commitment to laboratory safety, research integrity, accurate documentation, and responsible handling of biological materials.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with primary human T cells, immune-cell phenotyping, viral or nonviral delivery systems, or genome-editing workflows.
  • Experience developing or executing assays for viral vectors (lentiviral, VSV-G or other enveloped particles, or AAV) including titer, purity, and potency testing.
  • Experience with next-generation sequencing sample preparation, HPLC/UPLC (SEC, AEX, or RP), SDS-PAGE/Western blot, or dynamic light scattering. .
  • Familiarity with assay qualification concepts, design of experiments, dose-response analysis, curve fitting, acceptance criteria, and statistical assessment of assay variability.
  • Experience with high-throughput or automated assay platforms.
  • Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks and common scientific data-analysis tools (Excel, GraphPad Prism, JMP, or Python/R) and assay/equipment-specific software (SoftMax Pro, FlowJo, digital PCR analysis software).

What Success Looks Like (first 3–6 months)

• Build proficiency in Azalea ’s core molecular biology and protein-based methods, including digital PCR vector genome titer assays, capsid/envelope ELISAs, host cell protein and residual protein assays, and execute assigned experiments safely and reproducibly.
• Generate, analyze, and communicate high-quality experimental data while maintaining complete and timely laboratory records.
• Independently m anage assigned laboratory work to agreed timelines, identify routine performance issues or deviations , and collaborate effectively across research and development functions.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements (as applicable)

• This is expected to be a primarily onsite, laboratory-based position.
• The role requires regular use of standard laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment; work with biological samples and research reagents; prolonged periods of standing or sitting; repetitive hand motions; and the ability to move laboratory supplies weighing up to approximately 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodation as needed.
• Occasional work outside standard business hours may be required to support time-sensitive experiments. Travel is expected to be minimal.

Compensation And Benefits

• The expected salary range for this role based on the primary location for this position in California is $70,000 - $90,000 per year. Offer amounts are determined by factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
• Benefits offered include paid time off, paid holiday’s, medical, dental, vision, 401k with Company match, and other employee benefits and perks.

Azalea’s Commitments

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO):

Azalea Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, consistent with applicable law. To request accommodation, email HR at [HR email].

Applicant Privacy:

Azalea collects and uses applicant personal information for recruiting and employment purposes. If applicable, Azalea will provide a California applicant privacy notice describing categories of information collected, purposes, retention, and rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA).

Job Description Disclaimer:

This job description may change at any time based on business needs. It is not a contract and does not create a promise of employment for any particular duration.